India's Sugar Production Faces Steep Decline in 2024-25

India's sugar production has seen a significant 44% drop in the 2024-25 season's first six weeks compared to the previous year. The decline is attributed to fewer operational sugar mills, with Maharashtra yet to begin operations. Total production for the season is estimated to fall notably.

India is facing a substantial decline in sugar production, with a 44% decrease recorded in the first six weeks of the 2024-25 season, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSFL). Data highlights a drop to 7.10 lakh tonnes from 12.70 lakh tonnes in the same period the previous year.

The setback is largely due to the reduced number of operational sugar mills. As of November 15, only 144 mills were crushing sugarcane, a decrease from 264 mills the previous year. In Maharashtra, a key sugar-producing state, crushing operations have not yet commenced, unlike last year when 103 mills were active during the same timeframe.

Karnataka also reported a drop in sugar production to 26.25 lakh tonnes from 53.75 lakh tonnes, with only 40 mills functioning. Uttar Pradesh maintains some stability with 85 operational mills. NFCSFL anticipates total sugar production for the 2024-25 season to decline to 280 lakh tonnes, down from 319 lakh tonnes last season.

(With inputs from agencies.)